Three goals conceded in a seven minutes spell either side of half time, condemned the U’s youth to defeat against Bristol City, despite them taking the lead just before the interval.
Playing with captain Callum Anderson in a more advanced role than usual, the home team threatened several times in the match.
After a decent first half, the U's good work was rewarded just before the break as Watson sent in a great cross from the left.
However all the good work by Colchester was then undone in seven minutes.
Under pressure Sayer played the ball back to his keeper but wide of him, and despite his efforts to get back to it, the ball went in for an own goal on the stroke of half time.
Heartened by this, City began the second half really well after both teams made changes at the break. Frankie Terry replaced Kane for the U's and City had Marcus Day on for Allen, with Lott dropping to left full back.
Indeed it was Lott who was to set up City’s second goal, as a great cross in from the left by him, which was fired in first time by Marlee Francois.
Two minutes later and City went further ahead as Francois curled home an effort after a defensive mix up.
Colchester bounced back and finished the game strongly, but their efforts were not rewarded with any further goals.
It was a very encouraging display by another young home team who were almost all U15s and U16s and trialists, with just two scholars in the side in Anderson and Kazeem.
Colchester United: Ted Collins, Harvey Sayer, Josh Fouche, Namory Kane, Al-Amin Kazeem, Courtney Watson, Gene Kennedy, Marley Miranda, Mason Tunbridge, Callum Anderson and Tom Stagg
Used subs: Frankie Terry and Donell Thomas and unused subs: Jaime Tedaldi and Darnell Asare-Williams